The NM Racing Commission worked to sabotage La Mesa Racing’s plans for a racetrackand casino in Raton according to a lawsuit filed Monday, Dec. 30, 2013 in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque. The suit filed on behalf of owner Michael Moldenhauer, claims commissioners let the license expire after the project faced a number of delays.
The suit also accused former commissioner Marty Cope of intentionally blocking the project because of her friendship with a rival. Cope “intentionally, willfully and purposefully took action to hinder La Mesa’s progress and to sabotage La Mesa’s racino project.” The suit seeks an unspecified amount of damages for losses.
In a statement issued exclusively to KRTN, Moldenhauer said, “Too much time, money and effort was made in bringing a racetrack back to Raton for us not to address the injustices that took place. Many, many people, including the majority of residents from Northeastern New Mexico that assisted in this cause, deserve to know the truth about the actions of both the gaming control board and the racing commission. This action is the first step in exposing the actions of those involved and holding them accountable. I’m looking forward to a jury holding the Racing Commission responsible for their improper conduct.”
